Pyrenees | mountain range, Europe | Britannica.com mountain range, Europe Alternative Titles: Pireneus, Pirineos, Pyrénées Related Topics list of cities and towns in France Pyrenees, Spanish Pirineos, French Pyrénées, Catalan Pireneus, mountain chain of southwestern Europe that consists of flat-topped massifs and folded linear ranges. It stretches from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The Pyrenees form a high wall between France and Spain that has played a significant role in the history of both countries and of Europe as a whole. The range is some 270 miles (430 kilometres) long; it is barely six miles wide at its eastern end, but at its centre it reaches some 80 miles in width. At its western end it blends imperceptibly into the Cantabrian Mountains along the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Except in a few places, where Spanish territory juts northward or French southward, the crest of the chain marks the boundary between the two countries, though the tiny autonomous principality of Andorra lies among its peaks.

The highest point is Aneto Peak , at 11,169 feet (3,404 metres), in the Maladeta (Spanish: “Accursed”) massif of the Central Pyrenees. Aneto Peak in the Pyrenees. Avh The Pyrenees long have been a formidable land barrier between Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe; as a consequence, these two countries traditionally have developed stronger associations with Africa than with the rest of Europe, and they have become tied to the sea. From Carlit Peak (9,584 feet) near the eastern limit of the Pyrenees to the peaks of Orhy and Anie , a succession of mountains rise nearly 9,800 feet; at only a few places, all well to the west, can the chain be crossed through passes lower than 6,500 feet. In both the lower eastern and northwestern sectors, rivers dissect the landscape into numerous small basins.

The range is flanked on both sides by broad depressions—the Aquitaine and Languedoc to the north and the Ebro to the south—both receiving waters from the major rivers flowing out of the mountains, the Garonne of France and the major tributaries of the Ebro of Spain. Physical features World War II Forms of life in the Pyrenees have some remarkable characteristics that cannot be explained merely by the influences of climate and soil. The historical vicissitudes of the chain and its isolation at the southwestern limit of the main European peninsula, far from the centres of dispersion and variation of the various species (including humans), have influenced the structure and character of its population. In the northwest–southeast direction, the vegetation shows a marked and gradually decreasing oceanic influence; the contrary is the case with the Mediterranean influence from southeast to northwest. The exposure of the mountain surfaces and the conditions of local climate caused by mountain relief create special localized enclaves of all kinds.

The most characteristic feature of the oceanic influence is the predominance of broad-leaved deciduous trees in the forests of the lower levels and the medium-height mountains, while the Mediterranean influence, represented by evergreen broad-leaved trees, not only is dominant in hot surroundings but also bears drought conditions better. The variety of altitudinal vegetation shows itself in levels. From the medium-height mountain upward, the broad-leaved woods at about 5,200 feet are replaced by needled conifers that require less water. The subalpine level, sometimes as low as 6,500 feet but usually above 7,800 feet, gives way to the more sparsely covered pastures of the alpine level. This altitudinal scheme pertains in the vegetation east of the Orhy and Anie peaks. The oceanic influence, however, with its greater rainfall gives the west of the chain a different pattern. Broad-leaved deciduous beeches may be found as high as 5,850 feet, with some mix of the subalpine conifers, and there the high pastures are more resistant to damp and permanent snow. Overall the landscape is more like that of the high mountains of western Europe.

The Mediterranean influence expands through the entire valley of the Ebro, but it acquires marked signs of a more variable continental climate in the Central Pyrenees. There, great quantities of mountain pines , which are more drought-resistant, take the place of deciduous trees in the higher, colder, and drier parts of the medium and higher levels of the southern slopes. Some groups among the fauna, such as the cave-dwelling animals and frogs and toads , represent a migratory wave that came from ancient Tyrrhenia—associated with Corsica and Sardinia—and displaced certain native European species, relegating them to the Cantabrian Mountains. The Pyrenean fauna is rich today in larger herbivores as well as in the variety and abundance of predators. Some species, such as the wolf , lynx , and brown bear , have disappeared or had their numbers severely reduced in the northern Pyrenees, although the marmot has been successfully reintroduced. The southern Pyrenees, however, represent one of the last important reserves for wild European fauna driven out of sectors more heavily populated by humans.

The present distribution and differentiation of large, warm-blooded animals is undoubtedly connected with the climate and the landscape, but the central-European origin of Pyrenean fauna is clear; for example, of the two species of desman (a semiaquatic member of the mole family), one inhabits the Pyrenees and the other southwestern Russia . Similar comments may be made as to the origin of all cold-blooded animals as well as of the vegetation. Basic differentiations exist among the latter. Pyrenean flora of tropical origin differentiated without any ancient European competition as the new chain replaced the old Hercynian; flora of Arctic origin, brought southward during relatively recent ice ages, are represented by two different branches of orophiles, or plants adapted to mountain life, from central Europe and from Siberia. Other orophiles have long been differentiated, but they are of Mediterranean origin and are dominant in the drier, sunnier parts of the southern slopes. An Atlantic group of flora predominates in the Western Pyrenees. People and economy The Pyrenees are the home of a variety of peoples, including the Andorrans, Catalans , Béarnais, and Basques .

Each speaks its own dialect or language , and each desires to maintain and even augment its own autonomy while at the same time acknowledging a general unity among Pyrenean peoples. Of these groups, only the Andorrans have anything approaching a sovereign state, and even then Andorra is an autonomous principality with close ties to both Spain and France. The Basques, perhaps the best-known Pyrenean people, speak a language that is non-Indo-European and have a long tradition of fiercely defending their autonomy. The people of the Pyrenees traditionally have depended on agriculture and livestock raising for their livelihood. The factors that influenced the development of Pyrenean flora also influenced traditional land usage, the kind of crops raised, and the farming system of each district. Typical Mediterranean products such as wines, vegetables, and fruits predominate in the Eastern Pyrenees and at the foot of the chain’s southern slope, while in the Western and Central Pyrenees, with their abundant rainfall, potatoes, sweet corn, and forage crops are grown.

Livestock breeding, the other essential element of the traditional economy, consists of a seasonal process of moving flocks of sheep and cows up and down the mountains and also using as well as possible the meadows of the valley bottoms and the pastures of the higher altitudes, depending on the snow cover. Frequently in winter, the livestock herds travel far from the Pyrenees, moving to the plains of the Ebro, near the Mediterranean Sea in Languedoc, or to the moors of Aquitaine. This traditional organization—in which the common exploitation of forest areas for timber also played a large part—has been disappearing slowly. Few young people have been willing to settle into the old ways. Gradually, the less fertile plots have been deserted, and the landscape has become dotted by patches of brooms and brackens and plantings of resinous trees. Even local breeds of sheep or cows have been superseded by imported breeds, which perhaps are more profitable but are less adapted to the climate and the relief. Except for such areas as the Basque Country of Spain and the Roussillon region of France, the agriculture of the Pyrenees is in serious decline.

The growing weakness of the Pyrenean agriculture has not been matched by growth in industry. Although the Pyrenees offer considerable hydroelectric potential, the mining of some resources, and an appreciable and diverse supply of wood , most of the mills ( steel and paper ) and factories ( textiles , chemicals, and shoes) established in the 19th and 20th centuries have faced the threat of closing. Except in the two extremities of the chain, most of the industries are far from any major transportation routes. Scarcely any railroads and no major highways traverse the region, although an express highway is slowly being built between Toulouse, Fr., and Barcelona, Spain. Financed by foreign capital and dependent on the aid of the Spanish and French governments, the remaining factories face an uncertain future. Policies formulated in the 20th century by the two Pyrenean countries helped to both develop and protect the mountains, which have been transformed by a tremendous increase in tourism. Although a boon to the local economy, the crowds of people seeking winter sports, summer sojourns, hunting and fishing, and visits to the national parks of the Central Pyrenees have also contributed to the abandonment of traditional ways of life.

Study and exploration For centuries a general lack of knowledge about the Pyrenees permitted repetition of the errors and misconceptions about the mountains that had been propounded by such authors of antiquity as Diodorus Siculus of Sicily and the Greek geographer-historian Strabo (both 1st century bc). In 1582 the first explorations were made, followed by botanical works from the academies at Montpellier-de-Médillan, Fr., and by other studies, including those of the 18th-century Swiss physicist, geologist, and explorer Horace Bénédict de Saussure . The earliest military map of the region dates from 1719, while early topographical studies were the bases of frontier treaties. In the 19th century the first topographical and geologic maps were made of the mountains, the latter beginning a series of geologic interpretations and controversies among French and Spanish scientists. German studies added to the interpretive geology , but only in 1933 was the first study made that was based on modern research methods.

Since World War II , scientists and scholars from universities, technical institutes, and national councils for research in France and Spain have thoroughly explored the Pyrenees and have produced a wealth of knowledge about the massif. 1000+ images about Andorra on Pinterest | Pyrenees, Hand tufted rugs and Europe Interior Stairs and Ceiling of Modern Public Spa Escaldes-Engordany Parish Andorra by Jim Zuckerman See More Andorra travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Landscape of Andorra For 715 years (1278 to 1994), Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality ruled by the French chief of state and the Spanish Bishop of Urgel. This system was modified in 1993, with the titular heads of state retained but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, Andorra achieved considerable prosperity through its tourist industry after World War II. Many migrant workers (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy and its lack of income taxes. Economy[ edit ] Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP.

An estimated 9 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage as a tourist destination has eroded recently as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to Andorra's economy. Agricultural production is limited -- only 2% of the land is arable -- and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Electricity[ edit ] Electricity is supplied at 220 to 230V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Get in[ edit ] Due mainly to the mountainous nature of Andorra, there is only one road entering Andorra from France and only one widely-used road entering Andorra from Spain. Almost all entry into the country happens at one of these two points.

Andorra is not a member of the EU, EEA or Schengen Area. However, Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. Andorra has no visa requirements and requires only a passport or European Union national identity card for entrance. However, in practice, as entry is only possible through Schengen countries, one must satisfy the conditions of entry into Schengen. Visitors from outside the EU should note that, as Andorra is not a Schengen member, exiting France or Spain into Andorra will (theoretically) terminate a single-entry visa. In practice, though, immigration does not enforce this, seeing as one must re-enter the Schengen Area in order to travel onwards. A souvenir passport stamp may be available at the border on request. By plane[ edit ] There are no airports in Andorra. The nearest airports are: Perpignan (France) 128km to the east, no coach connections but you can take a Yellow train to La Tour de Carol and farther to L'Hospitalet.

Carcassonne (France) 130km to the North North East. 2 hours by car, depending on weather. Ryanair offers cheap flights to Carcassonne from limited European airports. Lleida (Spain) 157km to the south, Lleida-Alguaire Flights from the UK only during the ski season, chartered by Thomas Cook Airport is 2.5 hours away from Andorra by bus. This airport was chosen in 2011 by the UK-Based tour operator "Neilson" to cater to tourists visiting the ski resorts. Flights arrive/depart on Sundays. For independent travelers, getting to Andorra from Lleida Airport can be difficult, as Montmantell bus company will leave you in Lleida town, a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. Toulouse –Blagnac (France) 196km to the north. You can pre-book a coach or a taxi from Toulouse Airport to all the resorts in Andorra with Andorra Airport Transfers. [1] Barcelona (Spain) 202km to the south. There are frequent connections to Andorra from Barcelona.

(From airports to Andorra by car: 3 hours) An airport for Andorra Catalan Government developed a Pirineus - la Seu d'Urgell airport (also known as Pirineus-Andorra airport) [2] at Seu d'Urgell but there are no scheduled flights there. By helicopter[ edit ] From Andorra la Vella, La Massana or Arinsal to airports, the journey for a maximum of 5 passengers takes around 30 minutes and costs €2,500. By train[ edit ] There are no train lines or stations in Andorra, and none close to the Spanish border. The nearest rail stations are: L'Hospitalet (France), 3 km (1.8 mi) from the Andorran border. Served by SNCF [3] trains from Toulouse , in addition to a sleeper service to/from Paris . Puigcerdà (Spain), 80 km (50 mi) from Andorra.

That said, buses operate daily from L'Hospitalet to Pas de la Casa, the first town after the Andorran border, from where it's possible to take frequent buses to Andorra la Vella — every 30min with Cooperativa Interurbana line 4 (+376 806 556, [4] ) or cia Hispano-Andorrana (+376 807 000, [5] ). Timetables can be found here [6] . The Hispano Andorra Bus departs Andorra la Vella at 5:45 and Pas de la Casa at 6:40 and arrives in L'Hospitalet at 7:10, departing L'Hospitalet at 7:45 and arriving in Pas de la Casa at 8:15 and in Andorra la Vella at 9:10.

The evening bus departs Andorra la Vella at 16:45 and Pas de la Casa at 18:15 and arrives in L'Hospitalet at 18:50, departing L'Hospitalet at 19:45 and arriving in Pas de la Casa at 20:10 and in Andorra la Vella at 21:00. Oneway fare from Pas de la Casa to L'Hospitalet is 4,50 €. Buses run every day except December 25th. Reaching Andorra by train is only cost-effective for holders of SNCF discount cards such as Carte 12-25 or those coming on the sleeper train from Paris; other travelers would be better off taking a direct bus service from nearby cities like Toulouse. In any case, everybody under 26 years-old traveling off-peak hours with SNCF is entitled to the "Découvert 12-25" discount.

Caution: One should bear in mind that the L'Hospitalet train station is located in a deserted area, is often unmanned, and its rooms have restricted open hours, so it's important to match connections well. If you need assistance, you may want to call the Toulouse train station at +33 8 91 67 76 77. By car[ edit ] Roads in Andorra are generally of a good quality. Entering on the main road from the Spanish side is a relatively straightforward drive; however, entering from France is a more stressful affair involving many hairpin bends. Border control officers at both sides are generally fine. Entering Andorra, you generally do not need to even stop, but you must slow down and be prepared to stop if it's requested. When leaving Andorra, you must stop and be prepared for delays during busy times. Be sure your car is in good condition - Andorra has many steep roads at high altitude. Also beware of black ice and snow drifts as the temperature in Andorra can be much colder than at sea level.

If entering from France, one can pass through the 2.9km long Tunel d'Envalira, which requires a fee payable by cash or credit/debit card. The amounts are: Winter (remainder of year) Cars €6.60 (€5.80) Others €16.70 (€10.70) Winter is from 1 Dec-31 Mar Car rental The usual car hire companies operate from Andorra la Vella / Santa Coloma. The desks are sometimes quiet and unmanned, so it may be a good idea to book in advance online. From November to April, it is prudent to have winter tires and/or snow chains available for your car. In very snowy road conditions, cars without winter tires or snow chains may not be allowed to drive. This is often enforced at police checkpoints on access roads to the ski resorts and on mountain passes such as the CS-311 and the road above Pas de la Casa. Drivers are considered to be at fault in fatal accidents, and are always prosecuted and usually imprisoned.

Taxi Taxi Josep provides a Mercedes Benz car and speaks many languages Tel: 376 323111; Taxi Domènec Segura provides a van but does not speak English or French tel: 34 636 490 685. Taxi Josep can arrange the ride with Taxi Domènec Segura if you absolutely need a van. Payment must be in cash. Taxi Barras 376 323743 provides local service. By bus[ edit ] There are many coach services operating into Andorra. From France there is a coach service, Novatel [7] from Toulouse the bus station (Matabiau) and from the Toulouse–Blagnac airport. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure as the driver will leave once everyone who was waiting has boarded. The Novatel bus is easily identified by its name in large letters on the side. The bus stop at the Toulouse airport is close to where the fire truck is parked. A second coach service operates via L'Hospitalet and La Tour de Carol.

From Spain, coaches to Andorra can be caught from a variety of locations, such as Barcelona, Madrid , Malaga , Lleida and Valencia . There are at least two bus companies offering daily service from the Barcelona airport. Eurolines departs from outside the door of Terminal B, but you must be early and quick because the driver has a habit of arriving early and driving off if no one is there. Also, you don't pay for the ticket at the airport, but rather have to travel to the Barcelona Sants and get off there to buy a ticket. Service is slow. One should also remember that you will need to show your passport here. Trip time is about 3.5 to 4 hours. Novatel also operates a service from the Barcelona airport, outside Terminal 1 and 15 minutes later outside Terminal 2. €33 one-way or €56 for a round-trip (as of April 2014), tickets available on the official website [8] or on the bus. Be wary of a late flight however, their sales team say can take the next bus but their drivers will state otherwise. Autocars Nadal also travels between Andorra and Barcelona and its airport.

The bus company Alsina Graells has eight trips a day from Barcelona. The trip takes 3.5-4 hours and costs €23 one-way and €40 round trip. Alsa [9] has daily trips between Barcelona and Andorra. Get around[ edit ] If you have a few days in Andorra, then you can easily visit most of the main villages using the local bus service, called the Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana, S.A. There are 8 main bus lines ('linies') and all of them pass through Andorra La Vella. The fare is anything from €1.20 to two or three euros depending on how far you are going. Drivers will provide change. For the towns nearest to Andorra La Vella, the service is very regular, and as frequent as every 10 minutes during the day. If you are traveling to outlying rural places like Canolic, there are only 2 or 3 buses per day.

A map of bus routes can be downloaded at [10] The lines are: L1 Sant Julia de Loria - Escaldes-Engordany L2 Andorra la Vella - Encamp L3 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo L4 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo - Soldeu L5 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Encamp - Canillo - El Pas de la Casa L6 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Arinsal L7 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino L8 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino - El Serrat Talk[ edit ] Andorra's official language is Catalan ; however, Spanish is the dominant language of communication among people of different linguistic backgrounds. French is widely spoken, especially in Pas de la Casa . Portuguese is the native language of 13% of the population. English is widely spoken by those involved in the tourism industry. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Andorra has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money.

These 24 countries are: Austria , Belgium , Cyprus , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , the Netherlands , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia and Spain (official euro members which are all European Union member states) as well as Andorra, Kosovo , Monaco , Montenegro , San Marino and the Vatican which use it without having a say in eurozone affairs and without being European Union members. Together, these countries have a population of more than 330 million. One euro is divided into 100 cents. While each official euro member (as well as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican) issues its own coins with a unique obverse, the reverse, as well as all bank notes, look the same throughout the eurozone. Every coin is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries. Andorra La Vella is a good destination to buy all kinds of cheap goods, due to the country's status as a "tax haven." However, do compare the base price with that in your own country or region. Tax free does not necessarily bring you net lower final expense.

If you don't just want to buy new releases of brand-name luxury goods, whose base prices can be very different from the "just arrived" category, Andorra is not the right place for you. Just wander around then, it is also very enjoyable. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Andorra's huge ski resorts with their family-friendly slopes are probably the main reason for Andorra's popularity among tourists, but the country has other things to offer. In terms of landmarks and culture, the many churches and shrines are a main sight. The famous statue of Our Lady of Meritxell was destroyed in a 1972 fire, but a nice replica is still on display. In the country's capital, Andorra la Vella , you'll find the Romanesque Església de Sant Esteve, located in the old part of town and therefore a perfect stop during a city walk. Just 2 kilometres out of town, the church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra is even older, as it dates back to the 9th century. Ski resorts[ edit ] Most of these resorts were once small mountain villages which have grown in recent years because of the skiing industry.

The resorts have all joined together so that your ski pass covers neighboring areas. As a result, there are two large alpine skiing areas known as Vallnord and Grandvalira. Vallnord covers Arcalis and the Arinsal - Pal ski area. Despite the considerable distance between Arcalis and Arinsal-Pal, the two ski areas have been connected by cable car in recent years. The Arisnal-Pal ski area is directly accessible from La Massana the middle of the town. 93km (58 mi) of pistes. Arcalis -- ski area located at the head of the valley from El Serrat Arinsal -- skiing resort part of the Arinsal Pal ski area. Also known as Vallnord, which means "Valley North" in English Pal -- skiing resort part of the Arinsal Pal ski area Grandvalira covers Soldeu and Pas de la Casa . The Soldeu ski area is also accessible from El Tarter , Encamp and Canillo . This quite cleverly has opened up these areas to cope with the influence of visitors without putting all the strain on Soldeu.

It has 210km of ski slopes between 1710-2640m. The area of Grandvalira is about 1,926 hectares, and it's divided into 6 different sectors. These are (from left to right on their piste map): Pas de la Casa -- skiing resort located right on the French border with a good sized town that has plenty of duty free shops, hotels and restaurants. Grau Roig -- skiing resort only with a large car park and a hotel Soldeu -- skiing resort in a small town with hotels, restaurants and shops El Tarter -- skiing resort in a small town with hotels, restaurants and shops Canillo -- skiing resort accessed by gondola from a medium sized town with hotels, restaurants and shops Encamp -- a large town with hotels, restaurants and shops connected to the Grandvalira ski slopes by the 6.1km Funicamp gondola - was the longest in Europe but maybe surpassed now. La Rabassa is a cross-country (Nordic) skiing area in southern Andorra above the town of Sant Julia de Loria.

Hiking and trekking[ edit ] If you would like more information on the mountain huts in Andorra, go to Mountain huts in Andorra [11] . If you are afraid of sleeping in a tent because of wild animals and night sounds ("demons"), a good place to stay while hiking and trekking in Andorra is the Himàlaia Hotel in Soldeu [12] , which has its own team of hiking guides who go every day with their guests to walk and discover a lot of interesting hiking routes around the country. Be sure to bring something other than sandals for your feet and a purse for your cellphone. Mountain stream during Summer, Andorra Andorra is a great place for hiking. The point of departure is the town of Arinsal at the foot of the Coma Pedrosa 2,942m (9,652 ft) and the Pic de Médécourbe 2,914m (9,560 ft).

Treks from Arinsal (1,500m) - Pic de Sanfons (2,888 m/9,475 ft, 4h45, climb 1,310 m/4,298 ft, medium until the hut, difficult on the ridge). View on the Coma Pedrosa, the valley of Tor, the lakes of Baiau in Spain as well as on the Pallars mountains. Mountain hut and lake on the way. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1,580 m (5,184 ft). Pic de Médécourbe 2,914m (4h30, climb 1,335m/4,380 ft, medium until the hut increasing to difficult on the ridge). A classic! Mountain hut half-way up, lakes and a breathtaking view over the valley of Arinsal, Boet and Vicdessos (France). Parking at Torrent Ribal 1,580m (5,184 ft). The peak is the western tripoint international boundary of Andorra, France, and Spain.

Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,942m (4h30, climb 1,370m, medium until the lake, difficult on the ridge). The highest mountain in Andorra. Mountain hut half way up, lakes. Beautiful view of the surrounding summits, the valley of Arinsal and to the West, the Maladeta and Ecantats massifs. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1580m. Montmantell lakes and the Pic del Pla de l'Estany 2,859m (4h20, climb 1,280m, medium). Mountain hut half-way up, lakes, magnificient view over the Ariège mountains in France and over Andorra. Parking at Torrent Ribal 1580 m. Arinsal - Percanela - les Fonts - Pla de l'Estany - Arinsal circuit 2,055m (4h30, climb 670m, medium) 2 mountain huts. Very pleasant circuit which one can do either way. Lovely views of Coma Pedrosa via the imposing natural amphitheatre of Les Fonts.

A few bordas (farm houses) on the way, some renovated, some in ruins. Parking at Arinsal 1,466m. Camí del coll de les Cases 1,950m (1h40, climb 490m, medium) Panoramic view over the Ordino mountains and la Massana. Ideal picnic and meditation site. One can continue along the GR11 to Arans (parking at Mas de Ribafeta 1466m) but transport back to Arinsal must be provided. Work[ edit ] As Andorra is not in the European Union, virtually citizens of all countries require a work permit. Usually with an employment offer signed by your prospective employer it is relatively easy to get an Andorran work permit. More information is available in this article on how to find a job in Andorra Stay safe[ edit ] There is not much threat from other people in Andorra, but keep safe on mountains. Don't go too high without knowing what you are doing. See Altitude sickness for more.

Drivers are warned to avoid crossing back into France if the Spanish side of the Pyrenees has enjoyed beautiful warm sunshine all day and the road temperatures drop considerably towards the evening - there is danger of black ice from ice melt. The weather in the French Pyrenees is frequently vastly different than that of Andorra and the Spanish Pyrenees. Stay overnight if necessary, as cold morning temperatures are more apparent and less treacherous than sudden evening icing. Stay healthy[ edit ] Caldea is a very popular spa/swimming pool complex which is located up at the top end of Andorra la Vella. You can't miss it because of its unique glass spire structure. The main hospital in Andorra is the Meritxell (pronounced merichai) Hospital (+376 871 000). Internet[ edit ] Andorra is a well-connected country that has accepted the internet with open arms. Almost as many people subscribe to the internet as own landline phones. Postal Service[ edit ] Andorra relies on the Spanish and French postal systems; the main office for each is located in Andorra la Vella.

The French post office (CORREUS FRANCESOS) located at Carrer de Bonaventura Armengol AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra [13] is usually open from 8:30AM - 2:30PM Monday - Friday and Saturdays from 9:00AM - 11:59AM Tel: +376 820 408 The Spanish post office (CORREUS ESPANYOLS) is open from 8:30AM - 2:30PM Monday - Friday and Saturdays from 9:00AM - 1:00PM Tel: +376 820 257. Visitors should note that since Andorra is not part of the EU/EEA, using mobile phones may be a lot more expensive than in France or Spain. Get out[ edit ] Latour-de-Carol - first stop on the scenic descent for Perpignan with the open-top Yellow Train (fr: Petit Train Jaune) is reachable with the same TER train line 22 that serves L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.

The Pyrenees Mountains Map and Details THE PYRENEES The Pyrenees Mountain Range – Map and Details The Pyrenees Mountains form the natural border between France and Spain, and it completely engulfs the nation of Andorra. The mountains extend for about 270 miles from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. The highest point is Pico de Aneto at 11,168 ft. (3,404m) Additional mountain ranges found on the Iberian Peninsula include the Cantabrian, Sierra De Gata and Sierra Guadarrama in the north and central, and the Sierra Morena and Sierra Nevada in the south of Spain. The Complete Guide To: Andorra | The Independent Europe The Complete Guide To: Andorra It's tiny, sandwiched between France and Spain, and its football team come to Wembley this week. But this miniature gem should never be underestimated Friday 5 June 2009 23:00 BST Click to follow The Complete Guide To: Andorra 1/4 ANDORRA TOURIST BOARD HEIGHT OF SUCCESS?

For this strange geopolitical anomaly, squeezed in the high Pyrenees between France and Spain, success is unlikely on the football field; Andorra's entire population of about 85,000 would not even fill Wembley Stadium, where the national team play England in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. The plucky Pyreneans have managed only a single goal so far in the tournament, and they currently sit at the very bottom of Group 6, with no points and a -13 goal difference. But as an example of how much interest and adventure can be packed into a mountainous co-principality of only 181 square miles, Andorra is supreme. The landscape basically comprises three long, narrow valleys: Eastern Valira (including Canillo and Encamp), Northern Valira (La Massana and Ordino) and Gran Valira (Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria and Escaldes-Engordany). Andorra la Vella is the diminutive capital. The tiny nation is administered from here, but bizarrely its joint heads of state are the President of France and the bishop of Urgell, a small, overlooked town in Spain.

Seclusion from the rest of the world has left a legacy of well-preserved Romanesque architecture in Andorra, of solid medieval churches and monuments hewn from mottled-brown Pyrenean granite and roofed in black slate. A BRIEF HISTORY? The existence of the Basque Andosinos tribe was noted by the ancient Greeks. At the turn of the ninth century, Charlemagne allegedly granted a charter to their descendants in return for fighting off the Moors, and after a few centuries of feudal disputes over the territory between the neighbouring French and Spaniards, a co-principality agreement was signed in 1278. Today, though, the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra (to give it its full title) is now a sovereign democracy, with Catalan the official language. Yet it remains outside the EU, which has long given it advantages as a glorified duty-free supermarket. WHERE DO I BEGIN? Pal: a sleepy medieval village, whose church, Sant Climent de Pal, dates from the late 11th century. The main reason to come here, though, is the Romanesque Andorra Interpretation Centre in Pal (00 376 839 760).

It opens 9.30am–1.30pm and 3pm–6.30pm Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–2pm on Sundays, admission free. Besides the exhibits, this is also the place to sign up for an audio-guided bus excursion covering one of the three valleys. Next, you could hike or bus the Iron Route around the town of Ordino. This is a comprehensive, carefully constructed tour that covers the history and geography of Andorra as much as it does mining and metalworking. The trip ends at the Rossell Forge, a 19th-century workshop turned interpretative centre (00 376 835 852); €3, open 9.30am-1.30pm and 3pm-6.30pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm on Sundays. Social and architectural history buffs should take the Rural Heritage Route.

The Casa Cristo in Encamp (00 376 833 551), Casa Rull in Sispony (00 376 839 760) and Casa Areny-Plandolit in Ordino (00 376 839 760) reflect Andorran life during the 18th to the early 20th century, from the austere to the country's only aristocrats; a Three Museum passport (€6) will get you into all of them. GOING GREEN? Andorra's industrial past hardly touched the wild Pyrenean landscape, and recent development has been primarily limited to the valley floors. Get out into the mountains proper on one of the newly instated "Ecotourist" hiking tours. In the Coma Pedrosa Nature Park, guides offer two easy two-hour rambles to introduce the local flora and fauna, while keen (and properly equipped) hikers can sign up for a day trip to the summit of Coma Pedrosa peak (2,942m), the highest in Andorra.

Pick up an "Ecotourism Trails" leaflet at any tourist office for information on trek departures; similar walks are organised in the glacial Incles Valley, the lush Sorteny Valley, and the extensive Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which was recently designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Experienced trekkers will find a wealth of walking maps and guidebooks in the local tourist offices, covering an extensive network of walking trails up and around Andorra's 65 peaks, including "Grandes Routes" that cross into France and Spain. This little country boasts close on 30 hikers' refuges, most unmanned and sleeping somewhere between five and 15 people on a "first come" basis; avoid the larger Compedrosa and the Cortals de Sispony in La Massana, the L'Illa in Encamp and the Juclar at Canillo if you prefer not to sleep in close proximity to other hikers. UP THE ADRENALIN? Andorra's 15-odd vias ferratas – mountainous trails with fixed metalwork to help you across the trickier stretches – are well maintained, designed for a range of abilities and free.

A large proportion of the routes are located around Canillo, where you can take an introductory lesson at the Grandvalira resort (00 376 801 074: grandval ira.com) for €30, then rent the necessary equipment (helmet, harness and lanyard) to explore the easier routes at your own pace. More experienced climbers have a wide choice of sport routes and peak summits; contact Naturai Aventura (00 376 349 542; naturaiaventura.ad ) for guided itineraries. Experiencia en Muntanya (00 376 8478 888; experienciamuntanya.com ) offers week-long programmes that include canyoning, via ferrata, climbing and treetop circuits, from €53 to €113. Grandvalira ski resort has a decent, mostly downhill bike park, but the Vallnord resort bike park at Pal (vallnordbikepark.com) is a destination in its own right.

There are cross-country and downhill trails to suit all abilities, a free bike trials park, north-shore inspired Wood Park, BMX track and a giant supercross. Lift passes cost €21, bike school from €30 and bike hire from €20, but the real bargain is the resort accommodation: three nights in an eight-person apartment costs just €27.75 per person, less than €10 a night. Both ski resorts offer a vast range of activities for children. In Grandvalira's family park at Canillo, free activities include mini-golf, bouldering and a giant playground; pony treks, electric buggies, canoeing and trampolining cost between €2.50 and €5 a pop, with husky-drawn wheeled-trike rides – snowless mushing, if you will – at €15. Vallnord boasts a mountain bike park for three- to 10-year-olds at Pal, along with a downhill kart track, quad bikes and zip lines.

Brave the strain on your wallet for adventure in miniature and on tap at the so-called "eco theme park" Naturlandia (00 376 844 962; naturlandia.ad ), close to the southern border. There's the obligatory adventure playground, horse riding, archery, paintball, trekking – and the Tobo Tronc, the main attraction, the longest tobogganu o ride in the world, at 5.2 kilometres. Forget old-fashioned dodgy, white tubes; this is more like a rollercoaster track, whipping through the Rabassa forest. Admission is €9 for adults, €5.50 for children. Or get into nature proper: the Adventure Company (0845 609 1137; adventurecompany.co.uk ) runs week-long family adventure holidays in Andorra from £729pp; based in little Soldeu, participants hike Pic Maia, bike the Iron Route and raft on whitewater. CAN I REST YET?

Finish up at Caldea (00 376 800 999; caldea.ad ), a watery theme park which harnesses the region's sulphur-rich hot springs. It is housed inside a glass structure in the centre of Andorra la Vella. Avoid the hordes marauding through the mock "Indo-Roman" caves and outdoor thermal river by paying an extra €50 on top of the €33 general admission rates: not cheap, but a passport to a quiet world of grapefruit baths and rooftop hot-tubs. Quieter still is the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa in Soldeu (00 376 870 500; sportwellness.ad ). You don't have to be a resident of the neighbouring five-star hotel to enjoy the four floors of water and pampering; admission is a very reasonable €27. Hit the family-friendly ski slopes for winter fun Pick up a bargain Blizzards start to bombard the high Pyrenees in earnest in December, and the country turns into a giant ski resort.

Well, two, officially: busy Grand Valira ( grandvalira.com ), incorporating the villages and lifts of Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp; and quieter Vallnord, to the west, which includes Pal, Arinsal and remote Arcalis. The latter is worth the trip on a powder day, with some of the best free-riding on offer in the Pyrenees. Well-tuned to the needs of beginners and younger customers, with plenty of mellow terrain and a wide assortment of terrain parks, the Andorran resorts are inexpensive and not busy outside the main European holidays. Inghams (020 8780 4433; inghams.co.uk ) is currently offering a week in a self-catering apartment in Pas de la Casa next season from £230, flights and transfers included. Andorra has taken on a self-appointed role as the duty-free shop of Europe. Close to the borders, the roads are dotted with barns advertising alcohol, cigarettes and that third duty-free staple, cured meats.

Head to Avinguda Meritxell in Andorra la Vella for a selection of perfumeries, boutiques, jewellers and electronic shops; imagine a large airport shopping area, outdoors, and you'll have an idea of what to expect. Escaldes-Engordany and Pas de la Casa also have large shopping centres; and Pas de la Casa is a good spot to pick up discounted streetwear and snowbrands. Traveller's Guide Getting there Andorra has no airport, but there are several options in both France and Spain. Barcelona is the best served, with up to five buses a day during winter; prices start at €48 return ( andorrabybus.com ). Barcelona is also the most sensible route during the winter for those planning to rent a car, as, coming from the south rather than crossing the Pyrenees from the north, the roads are usually clearer. Girona is also served by bus during the winter months. The main airports in France are Toulouse and Perpignan. The approach from Toulouse is faster (around two hours by road) than from Perpignan, but the latter is more scenic.

Travelling by rail is the most agreeable way to reach Andorra, though it takes a bit of planning. Begin by reaching Paris, for example by Eurostar (08705 186 186; eurostar.com ) from London St Pancras. From the Gare d'Austerlitz in the French capital, you take the train via Toulouse to L'Hospitalet, just beside the Andorra border. There is a direct train from Paris at about 10pm to L'Hospitalet, arriving at 7.20 the following morning. From L'Hospitalet, connecting buses run to Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, Encamp, or Andorra la Vella. You can also approach Andorra from Barcelona to La Seu d'Urgell, again with connecting buses, or from Perpignan; change at Villefranche for the Petit Train Jaune to Latour-de-Carol. Getting around The roads are good, if winding. Renting a car may be the easiest way to explore except in the towns, particularly the capital, in which the one-way systems and narrow streets are far better navigated by foot.

The local bus service, the Clipol (00 376 82 04 12), is pretty comprehensive. Eight routes depart Andorra la Vella from 7am–9.30pm daily. There are also free buses connecting the villages within the umbrella resorts of Grandvalira and Vallnord. More information Andorra Turisme: 00 376 89 11 89; andorra.ad . More about:

Question: What is the small independent state in the High Pyrenees, between Spain and France?
Answer: Andorra